German: The relatively beautiful language

I’ve been tangling with that most formidable of foes — the German language.

German cops a fair lot of flak from non-Deutsch-speakers of all denominations.

Jokes about its guttural harshness abound, notably surfacing in that video everyone’s seen and riffed on in heavy metal band Tool’s German lyric song “Die Eier von Satan”, which, despite its menacing tone, is actually a recipe for cookies.

Confusion reigns when the German word for girl (Mädchen) takes the gender neutral article ‘Das’, yet the ostensibly unsexy turnip is considered feminine (Die Rübe).

Even old Mark Twain had some many frustrated words to say on the subject, famously declaring “Some German words are so long that they have a perspective”.

I have a different perspective on German, which I shall henceforth declare “the relatively beautiful language”.

Alles Miteinander verbunden ist – a daily reminder that my German could use some work

Yes, that is a real word and translates to ‘Danube steamship company captain’. I’m still looking for a chance to use it.

Like the Germans themselves, German is very direct – there’s no mistaking what your Hamburger, Berliner or Münchener means (that is, once you can understand exactly what it is that the German in question is saying).

It’s refreshing for someone from New Zealand, where we generally avoid saying what we want to for as long as possible.

One of the best things, however, is how the Germans approach aspiring language learners. They know their language is difficult but they really appreciate an attempt to learn it and will help you along the way as much as possible.

You’re bound to make some spectacular mistakes along the way and accepting this, as do the Deutschen, makes the learning process so much more enjoyable and the mistakes much less disheartening.

For instance, take one of my more entertaining ‘Deutsch-Fauxpas’ experiences; attempting to tell my flatmate I would buy a toilet brush (Toilettebürste), but instead declaring I would purchase Toilettebrüste – toilet breasts.

The Alt-Rixdorfer Weihnachtsmarkt – be careful with the name

I’m not sure if he had finished laughing before I informed him I was leaving the house to visit Berlin’s lovely ‘Alt-Wichsendorfer’* Christmas market. Any German will tell you this should not be confused with the actual name of ‘Alt-Rixendorfer’.

*Note: If you are interested in the translation of this one, please use Google Translate, not Google Search.

It’s all part of the learning process and the feeling of finally successfully conjugating a sentence, to the hard-earned response of “mm, Ja”, is one not easily forgotten.

Perhaps I’m the only one, though – I’d love to hear to hear the thoughts of any other German learners!

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Berlin-based Kiwi writer in innovation communication. Inspired by social enterprise, science and tech for good, responsible travel and climate action. Sharing the inspiration through journalism and brand storytelling.